Today we’d like to introduce you to Gretchell Mafong.
Gretchell, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I started getting into photography about five years ago. Actually, my brother was the one who first got into it. Everywhere we would go, he was always there snapping away. It was always nice to have a family photographer around to capture those special moments but also a little annoying for someone, like me, who doesn’t feel comfortable in front of the camera. I remember wondering when he would put the camera down and just enjoy the moment! Then, one day, he talked me into giving it a try. I didn’t fall in love with it right away. I even thought it would be annoying to lug a camera around! What really caught my interest was the photos my brother would take. The composition, the way he could sometimes catch light in the darkness, how he could turn a simple image into something so beautiful. Everything about the images he would capture was always so interesting to me. I then realized – yes, photography could just be about capturing an image and saving the memory for a lifetime OR it could also be about what the person behind the camera sees and how they translate that into an image. That’s when I knew – photography was the one. Haha just kidding, but that is when I really started to enjoy it. Photography became a voice for me – a way to express myself creatively.
I first fell into landscape photography. It got me to go outside and do more hikes, which got me motivated to find more spots to take photos of. There are a lot of beautiful landscapes in the world so why would you even edit the photo right? I would see a place and envision it a certain way and start thinking of ways I could edit it. Learning how to edit changed the game for me. Alongside composition, angles and capturing something that interests you as an individual – editing was really what turned me to photography. I’m one of those photographers that love to customize edit.
I started my travel photography page not too long after purchasing my first big girl camera. I found myself needing more places to explore and photograph! That was when I really started to get noticed.
I never intended to get myself into the photography business. Always thought it would just be a fun hobby. I work part-time as a Unit Secretary at a hospital in Hillcrest and have such an amazing and supportive group of people I work with – my mercy family. They really got my business going and have a lot of them to thank. I feel so fortunate to get to do what I love. As my business keeps growing, I’m constantly learning and am enjoying every minute of it!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Since photography started as a hobby for me, I didn’t get to go to school to master the art of the camera. Every step was a learning process. Fortunately, there are a lot of resources out there to help understand how a camera works to learning how to edit a photo. I would take free classes, ask friends for help or even go on YouTube and watch a million videos to gather information.
My advice for anyone starting out – be consistent, even when it gets tough and you feel like you’re going nowhere, don’t stop. I found that you could always use the downtime to gain more experience. There are plenty of opportunities to gain more experience in this field. Photography is so competitive, so you really would have to figure out what would make you stand out as a photographer. I remember when I first started, I had to do some free photo-shoots to gain more experience and figure out what it is I could offer in this industry. It was a lot of work but all worth it in the end.
Please tell us more about your work, what you are currently focused on and most proud of. What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a Photographer. My main focus at the moment is Weddings/Lifestyle photography. Travel photography is my “just for fun” stuff but it was what first got me noticed and something I will continue to do on the side.
I love that I have this opportunity to do what I love and express myself creatively. I’ve always been a creative person and being able to just be me and have people respond to that is such an awesome feeling. I’m proud that I can photograph life adventures for people to cherish forever.
Looking back on your childhood, what experiences do you feel played an important role in shaping the person you grew up to be?
Growing up, a lot of the time, felt like it was my brother and I against the world. We went through a lot together. Our bond is what really got me here in the first place. I wouldn’t have gotten into photography if it wasn’t for him, his talent and having him share all that with me. I am the oldest sibling of four and having them look up to me really keeps me motivated to always do my best no matter what is going on. I believe that motivation got me to where I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gmafongphotog.com
- Phone: 619-309-6003
- Email: gmafongphotog@gmail.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/grexplore
Image Credit:
Gretchell and Tyler Mafong
Suggest a story: SDVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
